We are back in Tahiti after a rough ride against the wind coming backfrom Moorea. It was a fun trip despite the conditions. Jillian had herfirst time getting seasick but still really enjoyed the adventure onGuppy. And Bruno got a little taste of what the conditions may be likeon our upcoming passage to New Zealand. Yes, I’ve decided I can’t waitany longer to see New Zealand and so we are making Guppy ready for thevoyage straight from Tahiti to Whangarei, the same place where I wasborn on my parents’ boat 16 years ago. I am so excited to beback after such a long time away. It’s not the best season to saildown, but it will be a nice challenge. I think I am looking forward toit a bit more than Bruno, but he is getting used to the idea. He isalso excited to see New Zealand but wishes he could take a planeinstead ;). One boat we have been good friends with since Panama isalso sailing the same passage so it will be fun to stay in contactwith them over the SSB radio. It’s a 52 foot sloop but we’ll still seeif Guppy can beat her.. We are sad to have to say goodbye to Kiwibecause of the difficulties of bringing a foreign cat to New Zealand.But we are also really happy because Jillian has fallen in love withher and will be taking her back to New York on the plane. She has areally cute cat passport and all the official papers for traveling. Wegot her a nice little case too and I sewed a stuffed rat inside so shehas some entertainment on the flight. So now Kiwi is prepared totravel and so are we. I checked the whole rigging and stitched thesails in a few places that I didn’t trust to hold in heavy weather. Wegot groceries, fuel, and water so now all we have to do is clean upthe mess on Guppy. With very little left to do, we are enjoying thelast days of tropical waters before sailing out towards the 10 degreeweather.

Laura